Washing powder v liquid or tablets

WindChim

hi

after lots of reading on OS, I've started using soda crystals in my wash, with just 1 laundry tablet (was originally 2, and I'll go onto powder once these have gone) ... I'm sure I read that it should be 2 tablespoons (so I've done 4 dessert as don't own tablespoons) but have read tonight someone saying 1 dessert? am I using too much? also free pour the vinegar in the softener drawer - is that wrong?

thank you!!
Windy

achtunglady

Big-T wrote:

what with having a little one and living in a hard water area as it says on the box to put about 190ml in for a normal wash so I just chuck a full scoop in every time, my washer is probably gunged up to the hilt but those calgon tabs are extortion, will have to try the soda crystals to de-gunge!!:eek:

(big sigh!!)

I think Calgon is very expensive too, if you saved the money you spend on Calgon you could get a new washing machine with it!!

Churchmouse

Couldn't say for sure, but I just tip a scoopful or so of soda crystals in the dispenser drawer, and a couple of glugs of vinegar in the softener compartment! So far, total success!

SnowyOwl_2

With the vinegar if you want to be a bit more "exact" then a couple of lidfuls of it would be about right, though I also employ ChurchMouse's very unscientific couple of glugs method of measurement.

For the soda crystals - don't get too hung up! If your washing is consistently coming out clean and fresh then you're doing it right...you might be able to put a bit less into the wash, especially in a load of things which don't have obvious stains.

mrs_mix

I have been using a mix of Persil and value soap powder with washing soda but I'm just going back to neat Persil I find I'm having to wash things twice to get them clean so in the long run I'm not saving anything at all as I'm using two lot's of soap powder, electric and water.
Anyone got any ideas on where I'm going wrong?

pam

kiwichick

Hiya MRSMIX,

I was doing tha same with the laundry powder/soda mix and found white streaks on everything that took another wash (sometimes 2!) to get out (maybe its my cheapy machine not doing things right?). I've gone back to the more expensive powder but instead of using a 3/4 cup as per instructions for the water in our area I use 1/4 cup and its fine. I still do the 40 degree quickwash and things are clean. I figure I am still saving over what I used to spend as the pack lasts me 3 times as long. I do try to buy the massive packs from COSTCO/Tesco/Asda when they are on offer and get those with conditioner in the mix so I dont spend on that seperately.

HTH,
Al.

Penny_Watcher

Sometimes I think skimping on washing detergent can be a false economy.

Years ago we used to used some Netto own brand stuff. At first we didn't notice much of a difference, but after a while the clothes just looked grubby. Perhaps it didn't contain optical brighteners, but whites were grey and colours were grubby. Maybe things have changed now - as I say it was a long time ago.

I always use Daz liquid (or whatever is on special offer) in a dosing ball in the drum on a 40deg quick wash. I only use 50ml of liquid (very soft water area). No white streaks from undissolved powder, no gummed up drawer and no rewashing. :j

raeble

I use expensive washing powder - Aerial and I just buy the big box 5kg one that you can find in some or the larger supermarkets and the cash and carry. Cheap powder doesn't get my clothes clean enough - I have very dry skin and have very greasy clothes as a result. I only use about a quarter to half of the scoop. As it is only me the box lasts me all year. With the cheap powder I was having to use two scoops to shift the grease.

ejushol

I have to add that I was a washing powder snob! Due to being totally skint one week I had to lower myself in buying Asda cheapy washing powder!! I could not believe the results. I have a very smelly teenager and 2 under 3's and the clothes came out sparkling. Would highly recommend.

E

squeaky

I just use half a scoop of cheap powder and add a heaped desert spoon of washing soda.

Haven't noticed any reduction in cleaning power or loss of colour, or anything odd really.

That'd be on a 40° wash and using a dollop of vinegar as a conditioner.